This article details best practices and guidelines for getting your SMS campaign approved under the A2P 10DLC framework. This guidance is specifically tailored for dance studio owners, with examples and context relevant to running a children’s dance studio. The information below remains consistent with industry requirements while ensuring your opt-in process, messaging flows, and campaign details reflect the unique nature of your dance studio operations.
When you complete your US A2P Brand registration, your Brand will receive a Trust Score. This rating influences the maximum message throughput that will be allocated to each of your Campaign use cases.
Trust Scores are grouped into three levels, from lowest to highest. Your Trust Score level, combined with your Campaign Type, will determine the message throughput that is allocated to your campaign use case.
Your campaign use case describes the type of messaging you plan to send.
There are two important requirements under the new A2P 10DLC system:
Businesses must identify who they are to the carrier networks (Brand registration).
Businesses must register what type of messages they are sending, i.e. notifications (Campaign registration).
If you have a Tax ID (EIN) and send under 6,000 message segments per day, you should register for Low Volume use case
If you have a Tax ID (EIN) and send over 6,000 message segments per day, you should register for appropriate campaign types within the Standard use case
Here are screenshot examples of the process menu:
While A2P 10DLC offers enhanced deliverability and lower filtering risk, Toll-Free messaging remains a viable alternative. Toll-free messaging also requires a verification process but does not rely on Brand and Campaign Registration. Depending on your business needs and messaging volume, Toll-Free messaging could be an attractive option to consider.
On January 26, 2023, a new A2P 10DLC Campaign vetting process went into effect for businesses sending messages using long code numbers in the United States. This updated process applies to your dance studio notifications, appointment reminders, class schedule updates, and other communications. (Note: Toll-Free messaging remains unaffected.)For newly registered A2P campaigns, a manual vetting process is in place. Please use the tips below to ensure your dance studio’s campaign gets approved.
Important: Do not include Personal Identifiable Information (PII) in your campaign registration fields. Publicly available information such as your studio name and contact details is acceptable.
Ensure your customers (dance parents) provide consent to receive text messages with details such as class schedules, enrollment updates, or special academy offers.
The opt-in display must include:
A description of your dance program or class offerings.
The phone number(s) from which messages will originate.
Identification of your dance studio as the sender.
Clear language about opting in including any fees (if applicable).
A link to a compliant privacy policy.
Detailed terms and conditions (for example, instructions on how to opt out and your customer care contact).
If your call to action is on a website behind a login, not yet public, or on paper, include a screenshot hosted on a publicly accessible site (e.g., Google Drive or OneDrive) and supply the URL.
Provide a thorough overview, covering:
The objectives of your dance campaign (e.g., class reminders, special event notifications).
A detailed sequence of interactions your customers will experience upon opting in.
Your public Terms and Conditions page must be accessible on your dance studio website.Find boilerplate templates that meet minimum carrier requirements in our support documentation.
This confirmation message is the one the customer receives after completing the opt-in process.
Required for all opt-in methods:
Confirmation must be sent immediately.
The message should include your dance studio’s name, a brief program description (e.g., “Jazz Dance Class Update”), customer care contact information, opt-out instructions (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”), and any necessary disclosures (e.g., “Msg&Data rates may apply”).
Provide sample messages that accurately reflect what your dance studio will send:
Ensure that the sender is clearly identified as your dance studio (brand).
Include brackets to denote templated fields.
At least one sample must include opt-out language.
Example (Successful):"Twirl Dance Studio 2FA Alert: Your one-time dance code is: [Code]. Call [Studio Phone] if you did not request this."
Example (Rejected):"Your class update is here!"Reason for rejection: Missing opt-out instructions and insufficient sender details.
Ensure consistency in all materials:
Across brand assets:
Dance studio name: Rainbow Rhythms Dance
Website: www.rainbowrhythmsdance.com
Sample message: “Your class reminder from Rainbow Rhythms Dance: Don’t forget your ballet class at 5pm.”
Between sample messages and the use case:
Match the registered campaign use case (e.g., class updates, enrollment confirmations) with your sample messages.
Email domain consistency:
Use a custom domain email (e.g., info@rainbowrhythmsdance.com) rather than a generic provider email.
Real, functioning websites:
Ensure your studio’s website is operational and directly tied to your campaign’s opt-in flow.
Brand accuracy:
Register your dance studio brand correctly to reflect the actual sender of the messages.
Templated messages:
Indicate variable fields with brackets, e.g., “Dear [Parent Name], your next class on [Date] is confirmed.”
Follow the CTIA guidelines for opt-in consent, making sure that all methods are verifiable by a reviewer.
Electronic Opt-In:
If customers sign up via your studio’s website, the page must include clear opt-in language.Example:"By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from Twirl Dance Studio. Message & data rates may apply. Frequency varies by class schedule."
Additional Examples:
Ensure separate checkboxes for marketing and non-marketing messages are provided on your web form.
Use opt-out instructions such as “Reply STOP to opt out” in at least one example message.
For non-digital opt-ins (e.g., paper forms):
Host a screenshot of the form on a public site and link it in your registration submission.
Your campaign must support a verifiable opt-in method. Methods include:
Verbal Opt-In:
Example: During a phone call, a parent is asked, "Would you like to receive SMS reminders for class schedules and updates?"
If confirmed verbally, a message is sent: "Thank you! Twirl Dance Studio will send you updates shortly."
Web Form Opt-In:
Use an online form on your studio website where parents provide their mobile number, check an opt-in box, and read the disclaimer:
"I consent to receive SMS notifications from Twirl Dance Studio. Message & Data rates may apply. [Link to Terms & Privacy Policy]"
Paper Form Opt-In:
For in-person sign-ups at your dance studio, scan and upload a clear image of the completed consent form.
Text Message Opt-In:
Show an image of your promotional material (flying fliers, posters) that prompt parents to text a keyword to start receiving notifications.
Mobile QR Code Opt-In:
Use a QR code at your studio that links directly to your opt-in form on your website.
If your opt-in is hosted behind a login or not public, supply a publicly accessible screenshot link.
Double Opt-In (DOI) is a best-practice procedure that requires two confirmations before a parent is fully enrolled to receive messages from your studio.
Initial Sign-Up:
A parent submits their mobile number via a text or web form (e.g., texts "JOIN" to begin enrollment).
Confirmation Request:
Your dance studio sends an SMS asking the parent to reply “YES” to confirm their subscription, including a message such as:
“You requested to receive updates from Twirl Dance Studio. Reply YES to confirm. Msg & data rates may apply.”
Final Confirmation:
Once “YES” is received, the parent is officially enrolled.
Double Opt-In reduces inadvertent sign-ups, increases deliverability, and builds trust with your dance families.
When registering your campaign, please ensure each field is completed with details relevant to your dance studio:
Campaign Type:
Select the use case (e.g., Authentication for class logins, class schedule updates) that best represents your studio’s messaging.
Successful Example:"2FA for class logins" when sending OTP messages for studio portal access.
Failed Example:"Higher Education" for OTP messages related to class activities – this mismatch may cause rejection.
Campaign Description:
Provide a detailed explanation.
Successful Example:“Twirl Dance Studio sends SMS alerts for class enrollment, appointment reminders, and schedule updates to current families. OTP messages are sent for secure login to our booking portal.”
Failed Example:“This campaign sends messages to customers.”Why it’s rejected: Insufficient details on who is sending the messages and why.
How do end-users consent to receive messages?
Include details such as:
Program description: “Enroll in our dance class alerts.”
Sender telephone numbers.
Identity of the dance studio.
Clear opt-in language and fee disclosures.
Privacy policy and terms of conditions.
Evidence of opt-in (screenshot or URL) if the process resides behind a login screen or on a paper form.
Sample Message:
Provide at least two message examples that reflect your campaign’s use case and include mandatory disclosures.
Successful Example:"Twirl Dance Studio Alert: Your class code is [Code]. For support, call [Studio Phone]. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
Failed Example:"Your class update is here."Why it’s rejected: Lacks sender identification and opt-out instructions.
Opt-In Keywords:
List all text keywords that parents can use to sign up.
Successful Example:• START• OPTIN
Failed Example:• [Left blank]
Opt-In Confirmation Message:
Provides details such as:
Your studio name.
A brief description of the recurring messages.
Contact information.
Disclosures including: “Msg & data rates may apply.”
Successful Example:"You are now enrolled for class updates from Twirl Dance Studio. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for support, STOP to unsubscribe."
Failed Example:"You opted in for messages."Why it’s rejected: Missing important details about your studio and opt-out options.
Opt-Out Keywords and Confirmation Message:
Clearly list keywords (e.g., STOP, QUIT) along with a confirmation message that includes your dance studio’s name.
Successful Example:"You have been unsubscribed from Twirl Dance Studio. You will not receive further messages."
Failed Example:"Opt-out successful."Why it’s rejected: Does not include your studio’s name for verification.
Help Keywords and Help Message:
Include keywords that parents can text for support (e.g., HELP, SUPPORT) and ensure your reply message includes your studio’s contact information.
Successful Example:"Twirl Dance Studio: For help, please call [Studio Phone] or visit [Studio Website]."
Failed Example:"Blank"Why it’s rejected: Help keyword handling must be active.
If your campaign submission is rejected during the manual review process, you may see a specific failure reason in the Trust Center tab under "Failed." Below are common reasons for rejection and suggestions for resolution:
Message Flow Issues
Possible Causes: Incomplete or unclear opt-in information.
Solutions:
Verify the opt-in process meets all requirements.
Include detailed opt-in methods in your submission along with links or screenshots as evidence.
Invalid Website URL
Possible Causes: The website provided for your dance studio is inaccessible or does not contain the opt-in flow.
Solutions:
Ensure the link is live and directly accessible.
If the site is in development, provide a public screenshot of the opt-in page.
Incorrect Sole Proprietor Registration
Possible Causes: Failing to meet criteria for sole proprietorship registration with an EIN.
Solutions:
Confirm your EIN registration details match public records.
Use your official dance studio name and address as shown in the EIN registry.
Unknown Reason
Possible Causes: An unspecified error in the review process.
Solutions:
Contact Enrollio’s support team for further insights.
Inconsistencies Between Sample Message and Use Case
Possible Causes: Mismatched or unclear sample messages that don’t align with the campaign purpose.
Solutions:
Cross-check your sample messages to ensure they accurately reflect your dance studio’s messaging intended for class reminders, notifications, etc.
Ensure templated fields are clearly marked with brackets.
Provide at least two consistent sample messages.
Once you have addressed these issues, resubmit your campaign for review.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the new A2P 10DLC requirements effectively while ensuring your dance studio’s SMS campaign is compliant and engaging for your families. For additional support, please refer to Enrollio’s Help Center.
Happy dancing and streamlined communications with Enrollio!